Tottenham Hotspur news: Mauricio Pochettino preparing January loan bid for long-term target Isco

Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly outlined Real Madrid's Isco as his big January target but the Spanish giants may only be prepared to let him leave on loan

Isco has fallen out of favour at Real Madrid (Getty Images)

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is still keen on bringing Real Madrid playmaker Isco to White Hart Lane and could make a loan move for the Spaniard in January.

Pochettino is a long term admirer of the skilful midfielder and made an enquiry into his availability this summer but the Spurs boss decided against stepping up his interest with the possibility of a move looking unlikely.

Isco was reportedly unhappy with his lack of first team opportunities at the Bernabeu and, since voicing his concern, the Spain international has started five out of the last six games for Los Blancos and has featured 11 times this season altogether.

Isco, however, has entered the last 18 months of his contract with Madrid and the club are yet to offer him a new deal. This could be a green light for Spurs who could be tempted into making a loan bid for him if Madrid are not ready to sell.

Spurs could have some competition for the midfielder, though, as Chelsea are reportedly prepared to swoop in for Isco if Madrid declare him available for a permanent switch.

Isco has strong competition for places at Madrid with Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Casemiro and James Rodriguez all vying for places in the club’s midfield area.

Isco, who joined Madrid from Malaga for £23million in 2013, has struggled to nail down a starting berth during his time at the Bernabeu but has recently found some stability under Zinedine Zidane.

In spite of increased speculation linking him with a move away from Madrid, Isco confirmed last month that he has never even considered leaving the club.

"The club said nothing and I never looked for anything to leave. In the end, I'm responsible and that's where I must improve.” Isco said.

"There are ups and downs and I won't give up, I fight to the end and want to prove that I'm fit for Madrid."